The NBA Finally Changed The "Hack-A-Shaq" Rule
The NBA announced today that its Board of Governors has approved rules changes for the 2016-17 season pertaining to deliberate away-from-the-play fouls.
“In looking at the data and numerous potential solutions to combat the large increase in deliberate away-from-the-play foul situations, we believe these steps offer the most measured approach,” said Kiki VanDeWeghe, NBA Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations. “The introduction of these new rules is designed to curb the increase in such fouls without eliminating the strategy entirely.”
Rules Changes Relating to Deliberate Away-From-The-Play Foul Rules
– The current rule for away-from-the-play fouls applicable to the last two minutes of the fourth period (and last two minutes of any overtime) – pursuant to which the fouled team is awarded one free throw and retains possession of the ball – will be extended to the last two minutes of each period.
– For inbounds situations, a defensive foul at any point during the game that occurs before the ball is released by the inbounder (including a “legitimate” or “natural” basketball action such as a defender fighting through a screen) will be administered in the same fashion as an away-from-the-play foul committed during the last two minutes of any period (i.e., one free throw and possession of the ball).
– The flagrant foul rules will be used to protect against any dangerous or excessively hard deliberate fouls. In particular, it will presumptively be considered a flagrant foul if a player jumps on an opponent’s back to commit a deliberate foul. Previously, these type of fouls were subject to being called flagrant but were not automatic.
via NBA.com
Thank God this finally happened. I mean part of me is happy because the Hack A Shaq strategy can make a game unwatchable at times yet was also squarely in one of those “It’s a pussy move but learn how to hit your goddamn free throws” gray areas. Which would inevitably lead to endless talking heads embracing the debate about the stupid rule, which is up there with talk about the NFL catch rule. So hopefully gameplay improves while also taking away all those rants about intentional fouls (except for Jeff Van Gundy. I love when he gets pissed off).
But the other reason I’m happy is we hopefully won’t hear the Hack-A-(Player’s Name) anymore. Hack A Shaq was perfect because it rhymed and it only really happened to him because he was a generational freak and force of nature that sucked at shooting free throws. The name should’ve been retired when Shaq retired five years ago or just permanently called Hack-A-Shaq. I don’t wanna hear Hack-A-Deandre or Hack-A-Dwight. Get that shit out of my face.
And I hope this ruling can help Avery Johnson finally recover from this massive #burn from the 2006 NBA Finals.
That is the most electric NBA Finals crowd that I have ever seen
Then again, all the young and good looking Heat fans were probably tired from being on the beach all day doing fun and sexy stuff while the Knicks had just finished an exciting 23-59 campaign with Stephon Marbury and Larry Brown both using the franchise as toilet paper. Good times.